Cleaning a faucet spray nozzle, often called an aerator or spray head, is a common way to improve water flow and remove mineral buildup. A key method involves detaching the head and soaking it.
Method 1: Unscrewing and Soaking the Spray Head
This method allows for a deep clean by immersing the entire spray head in a cleaning solution, directly addressing mineral deposits that can clog the small openings.
Steps for Detaching and Soaking:
- Gather Your Tools: You'll typically need an adjustable wrench and a soft cloth or towel to protect the finish.
- Detach the Spray Head: Use an adjustable wrench and unscrew the spray head from the faucet's body. Wrap the wrench jaws with a cloth to prevent scratching the faucet or spray head finish. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen and remove it.
- Prepare the Cleaning Solution: take a bowl and pour water and white vinegar to make a solution. White vinegar is effective at dissolving mineral deposits like calcium and lime.
- Alternative Cleaners: You can also go with any cleaner of your choice. This could include commercial limescale removers or other household cleaning solutions suitable for faucet parts. Always follow the product instructions.
- Soak the Spray Head: Now, put the spray head in the solution and leave it for a couple of hours. For heavily clogged nozzles, you might need to soak it for longer, even overnight.
- Clean and Reassemble: After soaking, use a small brush (like a toothbrush or a dedicated cleaning brush) to gently scrub away any remaining debris or loosened mineral buildup from the screen and openings. Rinse the spray head thoroughly with clean water and screw it back onto the faucet body, tightening it with the adjustable wrench (again, using a cloth).
Supplies for Soaking
| Item | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adjustable Wrench | Detaching/reattaching spray head | Use with a cloth to protect finish |
| Soft Cloth/Towel | Protect finish; wiping | Any clean cloth will do |
| Bowl | Holding the cleaning solution | Large enough to submerge the spray head |
| White Vinegar | Effective natural cleaning solution | Good for mineral deposits |
| Water | Diluting vinegar or rinsing | Tap water is fine |
| Cleaner of Choice | Alternative cleaning solution | Follow product instructions |
| Small Brush | Scrubbing away loosened debris | Old toothbrush or dedicated brush works |
Method 2: Cleaning While Attached
Sometimes, you can clean the spray nozzle without completely removing it, especially for minor clogs or routine maintenance.
- Bagging Method: Fill a small plastic bag with white vinegar. Place the bag over the spray head so the nozzle is submerged in the vinegar. Secure the bag around the faucet neck with a rubber band. Leave it for a few hours (or overnight for tough clogs), then remove the bag and run the water to flush out debris.
- Manual Cleaning: Use a small brush, toothpick, or pin to gently clear visible debris from the individual spray holes.
- Running Hot Water: Sometimes simply running hot water through the nozzle for a few minutes can help loosen minor clogs.
Regular cleaning helps maintain optimal water pressure and spray pattern from your faucet.
